The last (and only) time I was at the Stratosphere was 1997. My companions were aware that heights were not my favorite thing and so they left me downstairs playing while they went up to the top and rode the rides. I really have no memory of the place at all.
I have been meaning being to return for the last twenty years but never made it. Perhaps because the Strat is in that bizarre no man’s land between downtown and the Strip. It is sorta on the Strip but not really, and it is sorta downtown but not really. On a recent trip, I decided to finally go check it out. My Lyft ride from downtown was a mere $8.00. It is an impressive and attractive building when you pull up to it (if you ignore that one crooked leg).
My first stop was the Ace player’s club where I was amazed to learn I was still on file from twenty years ago. Those casino files follow us forever it seems. I got a new card and began to wander the casino. I am not exactly sure what I was expecting but I was pleased with the place; a good mix of games, cool fresh air, and attractive to the eye. I did notice they are not as obsessive about wiping down their machines or pushing in the chairs as some places, but I was still happy with what I saw.
I tried a few games and then landed at a Video Poker machine. I really wanted to play quarter video poker but probably should not have in light of my meager bankroll. I decided to throw caution to the wind and risk it. My machine was covered in some sticky substance, but I did not want to move any closer to the fellow at the end of the bank of machines, and so I just spit on a tissue and attempted to clean up with that.“Sticking with” that sticky machine turned out to be a great decision because it gave up two sets of deuces almost back to back!
I was having loving thoughts towards the Strat at this point. I continued to play until 4 pm when the 107 Skylounge Happy Hour began. (4 – 7 pm daily, Half Price Appetizers and 2-for-1 Cocktails) There used to be a late night Happy Hour but I don't see it listed on the website anymore so perhaps they did away with it. It took a while but I finally located the elevators to 107 Skylounge. I was surprised that they had attendants but it was a nice touch because I had questions for them, “How do you stand your ears popping all day as you ride up and down?” The attendant said she was so used to it that she didn’t even notice it anymore.
As you would expect the view from 107 Skylounge is breathtaking.
I was envious of the people below me in the restaurant because their level rotated and you would see the whole valley that way. The 107 Skylounge does not rotate but it completely circular so you can walk around and enjoy the view from all angles. There are comfortable seating areas and also a bar.
The cocktails were two for one so I chose something refreshing that I was sure I could drink two of, Mango Madness. I would not be happy to pay full price for the drink ($17) but getting two made it a much better deal. The drink was delicious and the service was quick and friendly. The fantastic view was worth the price of the drinks. I was a little nervous way up there. I could have sworn I felt the tower moving, but that might have been the effects of the alcohol. 
If you are so inclined you can take the elevator from level 107 to 108 and enjoy the observation deck.
I chose to leave after my visit to the lounge but I was delighted with the whole experience and will definitely return to explore more of the Stratosphere.
More information about the 107 Skylounge is here.
[Photos: Blonde4ever]
